Eli5 how on earth to restaurants get the orders out for each table at the same time despite the dishes taking different amounts of time to cook?

Question

Like, so many different tables, they can’t do each table at a time, so confusing

In: 327

Answer 1

As well as excellent sequencing many dishes are prepared in part in advance- sauces, soups for example.
Vegetables may be partially cooked. Starchy elements such as mashed potatoes etc will all be pre prepared.
The restaurant will structure the menu so that there is as much pre prep as reasonably possible done before Service actually begins.